So What Do ‘Natural’ and ‘Healthy’ Really Mean on a Food Label?

It’s a new year, and there’s a new chance to cleanse your cupboards of the junk and focus on food that’s more natural and healthy. The trouble is, when we see those words on food labels, they can be misleading.

Back in March, the FDA sent a warning to the makers of Kind bars, ordering that the word “healthy” be removed from the labeling on some of its popular, nut-dense bars. So Kind is now asking the FDA to revamp its definition of the term, reminding consumers just how vague the definitions can be.

The FDA argues that the bars “do not meet the requirements for the use of the nutrient content claim” due to their fat content. Under food regulations,

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